Offshore wind turbines like these might be closer to the reality of the Atlantic coast.Credit card: Siemens

The Department of the Interior (DOI) on 2 February is an important milestone for offshore wind energy along the Atlantic coast. DOE and its Bureau of ocean energy management (BOEM) announced that the Department initiative has passed an important environmental review. This approval process for wind will move forward leasing energy sales from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia allow.

BOEM of national environmental policy act review found, there would be no significant environmental or socio-economic impact from wind energy leases in designated areas of the mid-Atlantic coast. The Bureau to solicit published tenders information and nominations for Maryland and Virginia leasing nominations from industry and public comments on site conditions, resources and several uses of wind energy areas to apply for. The Bureau also announced the conclusion of a first of-its-kind form of leasing, which optimize the issuance of offshore renewable energy leasing. Financial and others, as well as a location-specific measures on each lease be added before it is executed. The form of leasing is now available and will be effective 15 days after publication in the Federal Register. Find the DOI press release and lease information in the Federal Register.